×
Are Spurs still in contention for top seed? Updated scenarios, potential playoff clashes While the San Antonio Spurs (60-19), two-and-a-half games behind Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (62-16), are assured of finishing no worse than second in the Conference, there still exists a scenario that could see them finish top of the league.For that to happen, the Spurs must win all three of their remaining games in the regular season. The side is playing against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. At the same time, they also need to have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA seasonThe status of Victor Wembanyama, who has led the Spurs’ charge this season, remains doubtful as of writing as the centre suffered a left rib ⁠contusion on Monday. Despite being assured of a playoff spot—a first since 2019—Wembanyama’s absence is bound to hurt the side’s chances to surpass Oklahoma City.The Spurs’ playoff opponent will be determined by the results of the 2026 Play-In tournament.If the Spurs manages to finish top in the West, it will go up against the No. 8 seed. If it maintains its current spot, Spurs would play the winner of the first Play-In game between the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds.Published on Apr 07, 2026 #Spurs #contention #top #seed #Updated #scenarios #potential #playoff #clashes

Are Spurs still in contention for top seed? Updated scenarios, potential playoff clashes

While the San Antonio Spurs (60-19), two-and-a-half games behind Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (62-16), are assured of finishing no worse than second in the Conference, there still exists a scenario that could see them finish top of the league.

For that to happen, the Spurs must win all three of their remaining games in the regular season. The side is playing against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. At the same time, they also need to have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.

READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The status of Victor Wembanyama, who has led the Spurs’ charge this season, remains doubtful as of writing as the centre suffered a left rib ⁠contusion on Monday. Despite being assured of a playoff spot—a first since 2019—Wembanyama’s absence is bound to hurt the side’s chances to surpass Oklahoma City.

The Spurs’ playoff opponent will be determined by the results of the 2026 Play-In tournament.

If the Spurs manages to finish top in the West, it will go up against the No. 8 seed. If it maintains its current spot, Spurs would play the winner of the first Play-In game between the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Spurs #contention #top #seed #Updated #scenarios #potential #playoff #clashes

Sports news , , , , , ,

While the San Antonio Spurs (60-19), two-and-a-half games behind Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (62-16), are assured of finishing no worse than second in the Conference, there still exists a scenario that could see them finish top of the league.

For that to happen, the Spurs must win all three of their remaining games in the regular season. The side is playing against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. At the same time, they also need to have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.

READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The status of Victor Wembanyama, who has led the Spurs’ charge this season, remains doubtful as of writing as the centre suffered a left rib ⁠contusion on Monday. Despite being assured of a playoff spot—a first since 2019—Wembanyama’s absence is bound to hurt the side’s chances to surpass Oklahoma City.

The Spurs’ playoff opponent will be determined by the results of the 2026 Play-In tournament.

If the Spurs manages to finish top in the West, it will go up against the No. 8 seed. If it maintains its current spot, Spurs would play the winner of the first Play-In game between the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

Source link
#Spurs #contention #top #seed #Updated #scenarios #potential #playoff #clashes

Tag
Previous post

Lachlan Bailey for WSJ Magazine with Kaia Gerber

Next post

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Magic continue playoff push with win over Pistons <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28672873.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28672873.jpg" alt="NBA: Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 6, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) drives past Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Paolo Banchero scored 31 points and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic withstood a fourth-quarter rally and closed on a 14-2 run to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons 123-107 on Monday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Anthony Black contributed 14 points off the bench for Orlando, which won for the fourth time in the past five games. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each scored 12 points, and Suggs added a career-high 12 assists. The Magic (43-36), Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Philadelphia 76ers (43-36) are tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors (43-35).</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Jalen Duren and Daniss Jenkins led Detroit (57-22) with 18 points apiece. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 with a 116-93 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green scored 17 points apiece for Detroit, which trailed by as many as 26 in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 before ultimately getting as close as 109-105.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Spurs 115, 76ers 102</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Stephon Castle produced his fifth career triple-double with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced San Antonio attack as the host Spurs defeated Philadelphia.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Spurs played the second half without star center Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with a left rib contusion suffered in a second-quarter collision with the 76ers’ Paul George. He scored 17 before leaving.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>San Antonio (60-19) is still alive for the top seed in the West and in the league but would have to win its remaining three games (all at home) and have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its final four contests to attain that goal. Joel Embiid’s 34 points and 12 rebounds paced the 76ers (43-36).</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Nuggets 137, Trail Blazers 132 (OT)</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Aaron Gordon’s clutch outside shooting helped Denver rally from being down by as many as 18 points to top visiting Portland.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-11"> <p>Denver (51-28) trailed for nearly all of regulation before taking a 125-123 lead with 27 seconds remaining when Gordon connected on a deep 2-point jumper in the right corner. Less than a minute earlier, Gordon sank a game-tying 3-pointer on the opposite side of the floor, part of his 23-point performance.</p> </section> <section id="section-12"> <p>The Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made 3-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Knicks 108, Hawks 105</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying 3-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York outlasted Atlanta in a possible playoff preview.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of New York’s final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a 3-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner 3 that gave Atlanta a 100-95 lead with 3:15 left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as Atlanta lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Cleveland overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made 3-pointers in a game.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and nine boards for Cleveland, which won for the ninth time in 11 games.</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Plagued by injuries throughout the season, Memphis (25-54) lost its fifth straight and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the 3-point mark when Adama Bal’s 3-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. Memphis finished 29 of 59 (49.2%) from long range.</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Magic #continue #playoff #push #win #Pistons

Related Posts

Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.

Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.

The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).

Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out.

#World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained">World Cup 2026: Third-place standings, tiebreakers explained The 2026 FIFA World Cup will look a little different than previous installments.Starting with the size of the field.For this year’s World Cup, the field expanded to 48 nations, up from the previous number of 32. This means the field is divided into 12 four-team groups, and it also means that the knockout stage begins with the round of 32, and not the round of 16, as in previous World Cups.That also means that teams that finish in third place in a group could still advance.To complete the round of 32, in addition to the top two teams from each group, the eight best third-place teams will move on as well.Here, we will be tracking the standings among the third-place teams.World Cup third-place standingsHere are the latest third-place standings. Remember, the top eight advance to the round of 32.Note: These are the third-place standings following Czechia-South Africa on Thursday, June 18.How do World Cup third-place tiebreakers work?Here is how FIFA will stack the third-place teams for potential tiebreakers:If there are still ties after those four steps are applied, the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out. #World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained

Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.

Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.

The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).

Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out.

#World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained">World Cup 2026: Third-place standings, tiebreakers explained

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will look a little different than previous installments.

Starting with the size of the field.

For this year’s World Cup, the field expanded to 48 nations, up from the previous number of 32. This means the field is divided into 12 four-team groups, and it also means that the knockout stage begins with the round of 32, and not the round of 16, as in previous World Cups.

That also means that teams that finish in third place in a group could still advance.

To complete the round of 32, in addition to the top two teams from each group, the eight best third-place teams will move on as well.

Here, we will be tracking the standings among the third-place teams.

World Cup third-place standings

Here are the latest third-place standings. Remember, the top eight advance to the round of 32.

Note: These are the third-place standings following Czechia-South Africa on Thursday, June 18.

How do World Cup third-place tiebreakers work?

Here is how FIFA will stack the third-place teams for potential tiebreakers:

If there are still ties after those four steps are applied, the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

Applying those tiebreakers to some of the standings you see above, the Netherlands currently sit atop these standings thanks to that third tiebreaker, and the two goals they scored against Japan.

Then we can look at the four teams that played in 1-1 draws: Brazil, Belgium, Qatar, and Portugal. The next tiebreaker, following points, goal difference, and goals scored, is the team conduct score. Those first three teams each have two yellow cards, while Portugal secured three yellow cards in their 1-1 draw with DR Congo. So Portugal drops out, and the other three remain tied, and are therefore sorted by FIFA Rankings for the moment.

The next tie we can look at is between Czechia, Ecuador, and Panama, teams that lost and have a goal differential of -1. Czechia scored two goals, so they slot into seventh place, leaving Ecuador and Panama fighting for the eighth and final spot (for the moment).

Again, it comes down to the team conduct score between Ecuador and Panama. Ecuador currently has one yellow, while Panama has two. Ecuador slots in as the eighth team, while Panama drops out.

#World #Cup #Thirdplace #standings #tiebreakers #explained

The Messi family has confirmed that Lionel Messi’s father Jorge is currently ‘going through a health situation’ and that he is progressing favourably under medical supervision.

“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.

At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing,’ said the statement.

Lionel Messi ensured that Argentina’s World Cup defense got off to a winning start by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. He was visibly emotional after scoring the opening goal, and later said that he was crying for personal reasons unrelated to sport.

The statement also criticised misreporting of Jorge’s condition in the aftermath of the match, saying, “The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.

At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.”

Published on Jun 18, 2026

#Lionel #Messis #father #Jorge #health #situation #confirms #family">Lionel Messi’s father Jorge going through ‘health situation’, confirms family The Messi family has confirmed that Lionel Messi’s father Jorge is currently ‘going through a health situation’ and that he is progressing favourably under medical supervision.“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing,’ said the statement.Lionel Messi ensured that Argentina’s World Cup defense got off to a winning start by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. He was visibly emotional after scoring the opening goal, and later said that he was crying for personal reasons unrelated to sport.The statement also criticised misreporting of Jorge’s condition in the aftermath of the match, saying, “The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.”Published on Jun 18, 2026 #Lionel #Messis #father #Jorge #health #situation #confirms #family

Deadspin | Royals’ Noah Cameron chases elusive win in clash vs. Cards Jun 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron (65) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Noah Cameron has pitched well against the St. Louis Cardinals during his young career but has nothing to show for it. The left-hander will look for better fortune when he takes the mound on Thursday as the Royals open a three-game series against the visiting Cardinals. Cameron (3-4, 4.11 ERA) enjoyed a strong rookie 2025 season, posting a 9-7 record and 2.99 ERA in 24 starts and finishing fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Though 2026 has been inconsistent, he notched a string of four quality starts in five outings before allowing a pair of two-run homers over 4 1/3 innings in Kansas City’s 8-7 loss to Houston on Saturday. “Two bad pitches,” Cameron said. “Didn’t execute.” Cameron hasn’t had much trouble with execution while posting a 1.96 ERA versus St. Louis, which is batting .148 against him. However, the Royals lost all three of those contests, with Cameron being saddled with two defeats. He yielded the only run of the game on May 17, 2025 — a Jordan Walker homer over 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss. He scattered two hits over six scoreless innings the following month, however Kansas City’s bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the 6-5 loss at St. Louis. Then last month, Cameron gave up three runs in six innings of the Royals’ 4-2 setback against the Cardinals. “Obviously, you can’t be mad about quality starts,” Cameron said. Kansas City has dropped three straight series at home, where it is mired in a 4-12 rut. However, the Royals have some momentum entering the I-70 series after they avoided being swept at Washington with a 6-2 win on Wednesday afternoon. Carter Jensen homered among his four hits and Lane Thomas, Michael Massey and John Rave also went deep for the Royals. “We’ve got to score runs and (the pitching staff has) to prevent them when we are ahead,” Thomas told The Kansas City Star. “You know, as long as we do that, two out of three days a series, I think we will be OK.” Kansas City dropped two of three last month at St. Louis. The Cardinals had won nine of 12 before dropping a 6-1 decision to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Scheduled Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 4.71) did not face the Royals in the previous series and is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) versus Kansas City. The left-hander hopes to get back on track after he allowed nine runs — seven earned — and four homers over 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts. Alec Burleson drove in the Cardinals’ run Wednesday and is batting .310 with 18 RBIs during a 17-game hitting streak. He’s a career .302 hitter with 10 RBIs in 14 games versus Kansas City. “He’s one of those guys who has a really good plan, and commits to it,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of Burleson, who is 0-for-4 against Cameron. “That’s what allows him to have success.” Jensen, meanwhile, is batting .361 with two home runs and nine RBIs in his last nine games. Teammate Salvador Perez is hitting just .200 on the season, but he is 4-for-7 with a homer versus Liberatore. Kansas City has been ravaged with injuries this season, and All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia could miss a second straight game with a nagging hand injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Royals #Noah #Cameron #chases #elusive #win #clash #CardsJun 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron (65) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Noah Cameron has pitched well against the St. Louis Cardinals during his young career but has nothing to show for it.

The left-hander will look for better fortune when he takes the mound on Thursday as the Royals open a three-game series against the visiting Cardinals.

Cameron (3-4, 4.11 ERA) enjoyed a strong rookie 2025 season, posting a 9-7 record and 2.99 ERA in 24 starts and finishing fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Though 2026 has been inconsistent, he notched a string of four quality starts in five outings before allowing a pair of two-run homers over 4 1/3 innings in Kansas City’s 8-7 loss to Houston on Saturday.

“Two bad pitches,” Cameron said. “Didn’t execute.”

Cameron hasn’t had much trouble with execution while posting a 1.96 ERA versus St. Louis, which is batting .148 against him.

However, the Royals lost all three of those contests, with Cameron being saddled with two defeats. He yielded the only run of the game on May 17, 2025 — a Jordan Walker homer over 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss. He scattered two hits over six scoreless innings the following month, however Kansas City’s bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the 6-5 loss at St. Louis.

Then last month, Cameron gave up three runs in six innings of the Royals’ 4-2 setback against the Cardinals.

“Obviously, you can’t be mad about quality starts,” Cameron said.

Kansas City has dropped three straight series at home, where it is mired in a 4-12 rut. However, the Royals have some momentum entering the I-70 series after they avoided being swept at Washington with a 6-2 win on Wednesday afternoon.

Carter Jensen homered among his four hits and Lane Thomas, Michael Massey and John Rave also went deep for the Royals.


“We’ve got to score runs and (the pitching staff has) to prevent them when we are ahead,” Thomas told The Kansas City Star. “You know, as long as we do that, two out of three days a series, I think we will be OK.”

Kansas City dropped two of three last month at St. Louis.

The Cardinals had won nine of 12 before dropping a 6-1 decision to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.

Scheduled Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 4.71) did not face the Royals in the previous series and is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) versus Kansas City.

The left-hander hopes to get back on track after he allowed nine runs — seven earned — and four homers over 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts.

Alec Burleson drove in the Cardinals’ run Wednesday and is batting .310 with 18 RBIs during a 17-game hitting streak. He’s a career .302 hitter with 10 RBIs in 14 games versus Kansas City.

“He’s one of those guys who has a really good plan, and commits to it,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of Burleson, who is 0-for-4 against Cameron.

“That’s what allows him to have success.”

Jensen, meanwhile, is batting .361 with two home runs and nine RBIs in his last nine games. Teammate Salvador Perez is hitting just .200 on the season, but he is 4-for-7 with a homer versus Liberatore.

Kansas City has been ravaged with injuries this season, and All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia could miss a second straight game with a nagging hand injury.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Royals #Noah #Cameron #chases #elusive #win #clash #Cards">Deadspin | Royals’ Noah Cameron chases elusive win in clash vs. Cards Jun 7, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron (65) throws a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Noah Cameron has pitched well against the St. Louis Cardinals during his young career but has nothing to show for it. The left-hander will look for better fortune when he takes the mound on Thursday as the Royals open a three-game series against the visiting Cardinals. Cameron (3-4, 4.11 ERA) enjoyed a strong rookie 2025 season, posting a 9-7 record and 2.99 ERA in 24 starts and finishing fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Though 2026 has been inconsistent, he notched a string of four quality starts in five outings before allowing a pair of two-run homers over 4 1/3 innings in Kansas City’s 8-7 loss to Houston on Saturday. “Two bad pitches,” Cameron said. “Didn’t execute.” Cameron hasn’t had much trouble with execution while posting a 1.96 ERA versus St. Louis, which is batting .148 against him. However, the Royals lost all three of those contests, with Cameron being saddled with two defeats. He yielded the only run of the game on May 17, 2025 — a Jordan Walker homer over 6 1/3 innings in a 1-0 loss. He scattered two hits over six scoreless innings the following month, however Kansas City’s bullpen blew a 3-0 lead in the 6-5 loss at St. Louis. Then last month, Cameron gave up three runs in six innings of the Royals’ 4-2 setback against the Cardinals. “Obviously, you can’t be mad about quality starts,” Cameron said. Kansas City has dropped three straight series at home, where it is mired in a 4-12 rut. However, the Royals have some momentum entering the I-70 series after they avoided being swept at Washington with a 6-2 win on Wednesday afternoon. Carter Jensen homered among his four hits and Lane Thomas, Michael Massey and John Rave also went deep for the Royals. “We’ve got to score runs and (the pitching staff has) to prevent them when we are ahead,” Thomas told The Kansas City Star. “You know, as long as we do that, two out of three days a series, I think we will be OK.” Kansas City dropped two of three last month at St. Louis. The Cardinals had won nine of 12 before dropping a 6-1 decision to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday. Scheduled Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 4.71) did not face the Royals in the previous series and is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) versus Kansas City. The left-hander hopes to get back on track after he allowed nine runs — seven earned — and four homers over 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts. Alec Burleson drove in the Cardinals’ run Wednesday and is batting .310 with 18 RBIs during a 17-game hitting streak. He’s a career .302 hitter with 10 RBIs in 14 games versus Kansas City. “He’s one of those guys who has a really good plan, and commits to it,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of Burleson, who is 0-for-4 against Cameron. “That’s what allows him to have success.” Jensen, meanwhile, is batting .361 with two home runs and nine RBIs in his last nine games. Teammate Salvador Perez is hitting just .200 on the season, but he is 4-for-7 with a homer versus Liberatore. Kansas City has been ravaged with injuries this season, and All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia could miss a second straight game with a nagging hand injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Royals #Noah #Cameron #chases #elusive #win #clash #Cards

Post Comment